held up towards rear, reminders 8th and weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before next
held up, reminders 8th, soon lost touch
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5 out, challenged 3 out, driven and every chance last, not quickened flat
held up in rear, headway 9th, led on bit 2 out, mistake last, ridden out
held up towards rear, lost touch at 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 5 out
led to 3rd, with leader after, mistake 10th, ridden 5 out, no extra from 2 out
with leader, led 3rd, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra flat
held up in touch, pushed along 11th, outpaced 4 out
Not a strong race to start, with the winning Irish chaser Darmil rated 106. He has plenty of miles on the clock and is hardly likely to be improving much at his age, which is something he will have to do if he is to defy this mark, some 12lbs higher than his last winning mark. Mohera King, who stays further than this, may find this track on the sharp side for him, while the mare Romany Hill has plenty to prove over fences, having failed on both her starts over the larger obstacles. Recent course and distance winner Chevalier Bayard must go well off only a 4lbs higher mark, but he has nothing in hand over Stone Cold on that running. Tim Easterby's charge isn't one to rely on too much, but he is clearly on good terms with himself at present and unlike the majority of his rivals, he may be open to a little improvement.
